It's been almost a month since I last hit the trails for the weekend and I'm getting stir crazy. I should have my pack and poles in the corner of my office, totally out of sync in my sterile federal workplace. And I should be getting ready to put the kilt, wool, and trail runners on this afternoon as I slip out of the State Department with the rest of the stodgy suits, me to the trail head, the others to the bar for Friday happy hour. But no, not this weekend.

I'll keep a trail Journal, but as I'm bringing no camera (iPod nano which takes video, not sure on pictures) it'd be short. I'd be happy to do a little write up though once I get some rest/finish coming back from a wedding in chicago. I will not however be trail blogging.

Not a trip, but I'm spending the weekend on my bike on some sweet country back roads - preparing for my bike trip in Germany in a couple of weeks. Had today off and did a nice 45-miler while my car's oil was being changed. Going out again tomorrow morning and Sunday morning, early before the heat gets too bad, for about the same mileage each day. Not a bad way to spend the morning.

Can't wait, headed to Carson-Iceberg wilderness for a few days with my St. Bernard. Just a short trip. Hopefully there is some snow at elevation on the North slopes. First trip of the year...this year has been crazy (ski patrol, wedding, new job working 60 hrs/wk). Just got my pack weight down to under 10 lbs with the Gossamer Gear Gorilla.

Not a backpacking trip per se, but in 2 weeks gonna join the PCTA by Ebbetts Pass in Mokelumne Wilderness for some trail maintenance for a week. Also just ordered a Moment and gonna pick it up at Tarptent since it was only a 3 hour detour. Gonna loop around and drive by Lake Tahoe as I've never been there and it'll also be the furthest north I've been in California. It's gonna be a long day, 9 hours from Bakersfield. Anyone recommend the 5 over 99 or vice versa?